I think I should write a new series of the west wing.

It’s really important to provide a space where people can dip in and out of conversations, most listening in and lurking about, others talking and debating.

We’ve put you on our new space http://www.netvibes.com/compassyouth so people can hear what’s going on in Brummie!

Most blogs are for refining the views of the author and challenging those of others, as well as filling in hours of tedious insomnia and recycling surplus bile.

I’m willing to have my mind changed about what the purpose of this blog is, if there are some good suggestions. I see what you both mean about whether this is nationally focussed or student focussed. I quite like the fact that, most of the time, we don’t profess to an expertise on big affairs of state, which colleagues at BUCF do. Rather, this blog is a bit of fun but I think a proper balance should be sought.

I keep switching computers and that’s why the name changes, it’s just automatic.

I have not blindly followed anything, ever, if I agree with something the Government does I am inclined to say, and vice versa. The idea that BULS blindly supports the Government is outrageously untrue.

I think it’s shocking that the guild requires two committee signatures, as well as the claimants, and a full explanation before even a bus ticket can be reimbursed. In Parliament it takes just the MPs signature, and a reciept with no explanation. The real issue is not, and should not be, how much MPs have access to, but it should be how that is governed. Outside scrutiny is essential, which is why the Government’s position (although not exactly clear) is quite dissapointing.

I also agree with you that it is a conflict of interest, and one that should be removed by having an outside body determine pay brackets and increases. Much like the rest of us.

You sometimes come across as a defender of the status quo, which seems to me to be an astonishing position to take. If you would like to have a chat about standards in public life, we can meet up some time.

PS You should use “try to” not “try and”. A schoolboy error.

anyone who puts nadine dorries in her place is a stand-up person in my book.

but lets not go too far lol, leading the global fight……………not in my opinion.

I agree the govt is doing a bit, but no where near enough.
but as a country we need to stop talking about what should be done and just do it!

what is this specific legislation you are talking about?

EU legislation on the ‘polluter pays’ has meant around Germany the leading waste producers of household rubbish are in charge of collecting the waste and have to foot the bill with tariffs on the amount that has to be recycled. This has led to the cut down on both the amount of packaging being produced and increased the recycling.
There is EU legislation there, but we are ignoring it to support the market.

Also legislation isn’t everything, everyone puts the US down for not signing up for the Kyoto protocol, they don’t all deny ‘climate change’ and the affect that is human induced, this step has been taken protect their economy and because the Kyoto, even tho good, would make their economy suffer and would not have a great deal of influence on the developing world and pollution levels. If you look at the amount of investment America has put into biofuels, renewable energy etc it’s immense and we need to follow.

On the other hand if we use Bori’s actions through his one term to show what the conservatives really think………… well it shows we are still better off under Labour even if they are being a tad slow to react.

Local administrations need to follow the government’s lead much more closely than they have been doing.

Boris/Tories are friends of the car Labour are friends of the planet, making the tough choices that we need to in the name of progress.

The moment I found out Boris was in I realised that the fight Ken had been having for the sustainability of London would be reversed.

As a country we are very far behind if you compare us to Sweden or Germany. These are countries that have taken hard steps, not always supported by the majority, but have more than paid off in the long term.

A mayor is someone who should be laying the foundations for the city to rise up to the challenge of long term success for all, not holding it back for the short term benefits.

Well, one of Boris’s first decisions was to encroach upon civil liberties, and he has delegated much of his power away to unelected authorities. Admittedly, other powers have been shifted from City Hall and out to the Boroughs, but that has left Boris with a minimal mandate.

Anyway, on with the Lab/Con turf war…